Boston Bruins Could Screw Over Brad Marchand With Their Latest Decision
The Boston Bruins need to resign Captain Brad Marchand, but the team may have made a mistake which could make that an issue. With two offseason signings, GM Don Sweeney may have bitten off more than he can chew.
The Boston Bruins sought to improve their lineup during the 2024 NHL offseason and signed Nikita Zadarov and Elias Lindholm.
The team intended to compete for a Stanley Cup as they thought they were getting an elite forward in Lindholm, and Zadarov's discipline leaves something to be desired lately.
While the Bruins backed up the brinks for Lindholm at $7.75 Million AAV, he has produced limited results with 18 points, in 36 games for the team.
The Bruins are tied to Lindholm until 2031, and this could be a major roadblock to signing Brad Marchand.
With Marchand exponentially outscoring Lindholm, the Bruins will have to find ways to make the money work in the long term Bruin. While a raise could be due, they may want to avoid a long-term deal to blunt the eventuality that Marchand's production could decline in the future.
NHL Insider John Buccigross explains the situation:
Forecasting a drop off is difficult and yet Marchand does not deserve a pay cut in terms of AAV (6.125). Still close to a point per game guy and, in the playoffs (20 points/18 games over last two postseasons).
He gives too much and sets too big of an example as a hyper competitive athlete/leader. He's a Top 5 Captain for setting culture and backing it up with bite and production. The Bruins, naturally, want the number as low as possible to either try to go big game hunting (Rantanen, Marner, Bennett, Ehlers,) or for depth (includes resigning Frederic)..
Players are put in a tough spot and managers are doing their difficult job of roster construction with a hard cap. Marchand, like Mark Recchi (23-38-61 at age 40) should hold his value.
Additionally, he's maintained and grown the Bruins brand to a new generation with his relatability and unique "brand." His dedication and playing under his value all these years without a peep or always team first can't be questioned.
That's not, ideally, how you manage a roster or "award" contracts, I get it. But, this is a VERY unique deal and where the Bruins are with their roster, resigning Marchand is the obvious correct play.
My guess is the Bruins want 2 years max. I would give him 3 years, 6 million AAV. I think that's "the deal." The Bruins probably want 2 years at 4-5 million.
Maybe Marchand is like "how can I make less than Lindholm? He has 18 points. I'm the second best player on the team." And he'd be right.
But this deal gets him close to 100 million in career earnings and then takes it one year at a time if he wants to play until he's 42 like Recchi did.
And if I'm the owner, I want him (with Bergeron) in the future in the organization. Possibly as the next Neely/Sweeney tandem if he's willing and able and wants to raise his family in New England. He's a unique hockey treasure.
Still a very good player who contributes just about every tangible and intangible skill. He should get a 3 year deal. If the Bruins want to create cap space they should create it subtracting other players not named McAvoy or Pastrnak. Or Marchand.
The Bruins' lack of future cap space could prove to be an implosion, as Marchand could get a better contract elsewhere if GM Don Sweeney can't find a sweet spot with the Captain.
In 36 games this season, Marchand's scored 30 points(15 G, 15 A) and is on pace for 68 points this season.
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